The Fishers City Council has announced a series of meetings allowing public comment called “Council Connect.” According to a city news release, these sessions will rotate each month as morning or evening gatherings.
According to the release, this plan will “allow residents an opportunity to ask questions or voice concerns directly to council leadership.” Mayor Scott Fadness plans to join Council President Rich Block and Council Vice President Eric Moeller at the first “Council Connect” event February 25th. (This is a correction…the mayor plans to attend the first session only, not all of them)
The locations of these meetings will vary each month. All are open to the public.
Here is the schedule of Council Connect meetings as listed by the City of Fishers:
February 25 at 5:30-7 p.m. at City Hall Auditorium (1 Municipal Drive)
March 20 at 9 – 10:30 a.m. at Britton Falls Chateau Ballrooms A and B (13079 Del Webb Pkwy)
The Fishers City Council struggled to find an answer to an issue centered on the city, housing developers and Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and decided to work on new ordinance language to consider at the next council meeting.
City Councilman Brad DeReamer, also a member of the Fishers Plan Commission, submitted a text amendment proposal to the Plan Commission last November to change city ordinances in line with a recent change in the Carmel city ordinance.
The proposal would have called for an independent inspection of common areas before a developer hands over a housing project to the local HOA. DeReamer expressed concerns that some, but not all, developers were walking away from housing developments and leaving HOAs with large expenses.
The proposal was sent to the city planning staff, which came back with no recommendation, but a list of options. The Plan Commission voted 8-1 to send the proposed ordinance change to the city council with no recommendation. DeReamer was the lone no vote.
Monday night the city council had a lively discussion, including a couple of public comments allowed by the council, about a number of issues surrounding the proposed ordinance, including the city’s liability should the change be approved.
Mayor Scott Fadness suggested that DeReamer was most concerned about developers guilty of noncompliance with city ordinances and neglect of assets, such as properly maintaining retention ponds. DeReamer replied he agreed with the mayor’s comments.
As a result, the mayor suggested that he and the city staff look at language that would address noncompliance and neglect by developers and bring it back to the council at a future council session. As a result, council members tabled the ordinance, allowing it to be brought back at a future council session.
Fishers Chief of Police Ed Gebhart honors his Assistant chief Luke Gannon for 20 years of service with the department
The Fishes City Council took time at its Monday night meeting to pass out honors. They included:
–A 20-years service recognition for Assistant Police Chief Luke Gannon.
–Recognition and city certificates for members of the award-winning Hamilton Southeaster Intermediate and Junior High School (known as the HIJH).
–Recognition and certificates from the city for the state champion cheerleading team from Fishers High School.
The award-winning HIJH Science ClubMayor Scott Fadness hands out certificates of achievement to the state champion Fishers High School Cheerleading squad
The master plan calls for a tunnel underneath 116th Street for those using the trail, with artwork and technology planned, adding to the tunnel experience
The City of Fishers is embarking on a 21-year journey to design and construct the Nickel Plate Trail along what was once the Nickel Plate rail line. Months of work, with input by more than 1,500 local citizens, culminated into the Master Plan unveiled Monday night at Launch Fishers.
Over 200 people crammed into the largest meeting room at Launch Fishers, many were HSE students involved in the planning and their families. The City of Fishers says more than $250 million in private investment has been announced along the trail, from Hub & Spoke to First Internet Bank.
Fishers City Councilman John Weingardt and Amanda Welu of DELV Design co-chaired the large group involved in sifting through the many ideas submitted for the trail.
“We’ve spoken to hundreds of community members about their vision for this new kind of trail and the result – a dynamic trail experience not found anywhere in the U.S.,” said co-chair Amanda Welu. “As a resident of Fishers, it’s been an incredible process to work alongside colleagues and neighbors to bring this vision to fruition; it will be a unique destination for all.”
The Trail will feature five segments of uses:
96th Street to 106th Street: Makers Space and Innovation Zone
106th Street through Cheeney Creek: Nature Park Zone
Just south of 116th Street through 126th Street: Downtown Active Core Zone
126th Street to 131st Street: Wellness Zone
131st Street to 146th Street: Park and Education Zone
The first trail segment has been financed through a bond issue authorized by the city council as part of the 2019 city budget. That goes from 106th Street to 126th Street.
It was emphasized that this is the master planning stage and the design phase for the trail would come later.
You can access the entire master plan presentation at this link.
An artist rendering of what the trail could entail in the area of the Hamilton East Library in Fishers
Those attending the Monday session were treated to a video presentation, which unfortunately had a glitch or twoMayor Scott Fadness hands-out certificates to the students involved in the trail plans
Yet another area news organization is reporting on the story about allegations lodged against a member of the boys Fishers High School Swim Team
The Indianapolis Star published a story just a few days ago. Now WTHR investigative reporter Bob Segall aired a story Monday evening with even more details on the complex story. You can access the Segall story at this link.
The real estate firm RealAmerica is looking to move from Fishers to the north side of Indianapolis, based on a story posted on the Indianapolis Business Journal Web site.
According to reporter Mickey Shuey, RealAmerica’s HQ at 106th and I-69 was destroyed by a 2017 fire and the company has been using what the firm described as a temporary office on Hague Road in Fishers.
RealAmerica is eyeing the former Crab Shack location on Dean Road for its new home office.
Artist rendering of the Nickel Pate Trail (provided by the City of Fishers)
After months of meetings and requests for public input, The City of Fishers is set to announce its master plan for the Nickel Pate Trail. The unveiling of the plan will happen Monday night at a Fishers City Council work session.
This work session will not be held at City Hall, but at Launch Fishers, 12175 Visionary Way, beginning at 6pm. The mayor, city council and people involved in formulating this plan will be there for the meeting.
A bond was approved by the Fishers City Council as part of the 2019 city budget, with part of the bond proceeds financing the initial trail construction from 106th Street to 126th Street.
Republican candidate for mayor in the May primary, Logan Day, has announced plans to attend. Day led a group that pushed for a train to remain on the Nickel Plate, either as train tracks or a train/trail combination. Day is running against incumbent Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness in the upcoming primary election.
LA PORTE – Before the Royals take to the court, Hamilton Southeastern girls basketball coach Chris Huppenthal and his staff tell his team two words: “Be us.”
Now, cut to Saturday afternoon at LaPorte, where the Royals played an outstanding game to earn a first-ever trip to the IHSAA state finals.
“This is us,” said Huppenthal.
Southeastern won the Class 4A north semi-state at La Porte by dismantling Crown Point 61-28. The No. 4-ranked Bulldogs came into the game undefeated, but the No. 1-ranked Royals had control of the game from the first quarter onward.
Southeastern will now play No. 10 Lawrence North next Saturday at Bankers ife Fieldhouse for the 4A state championship.
The Wildcats beat Castle 50-40 to win the 4A south semi-state championship.
“I’m kind of numb right now,” said Huppenthal. “I’m waiting for someone to pinch me and let me know what happens.”
*pinch*
“I’m here,” said Huppenthal. “It’s just been a great feeling this whole week.”
“It feels awesome,” said senior Malea Jackson. “It’s like, indescribable. It’s like a
once in a lifetime chance and I’m just so happy to spend it with the team that I have.
We’re just a family and it’s awesome to be able to experience this with them.”
Crown Point’s only lead of the game was at the start, when the Bulldogs’ Ellie
VanDeel made a free throw during the first minute of the game for a 1-0 lead. But after
that, it was all Royals. Southeastern was blistering in the first quarter, nailing five
3-pointers in that period.
“That was really great for us,” said senior Amaya Hamilton. “I know that we
all had nerves and everything, but after we see that first shot go in, I think that that
helps a lot, and just getting the nerves to go away and just getting the energy up.”
Hamilton was a big part of Southeastern’s first-quarter energy. The 6-foot-2 Duquesne University commit hit two early 3-pointers to help the Royals out to a 12-2 lead. A third 3-pointer put HSE ahead 15-4.
In all, Hamilton scored 11 points in the first quarter.
“We do our roles, and not everybody’s going to score all the time,” said Jackson.
“But when you are hot, we’re going to get you the ball. Amaya was just amazing
today, I’m so proud of her. It’s just a great contribution throughout the team.”
Junior Syndey Parrish made a 3 at the end of the period to put the Royals up 23-7.
Southeastern then scored two quick baskets in the beginning of the second (Parrish and
Jackson both made layins) to get the lead to 27-7. Crown Point would continue to battle
valiantly during the game, but the Bulldogs were simply overmatched by Southeastern.
“What they did today is what they’ve done all year,” said Huppenthal of his team.
“We thought coming up here, our schedule was going to be the difference in this game,
and I think it ended up playing that way. We’ve played some of the best teams in the
state of Indiana.”
The Royals have played a difficult schedule, taking on not only their regular opponents from the tough Hoosier Crossroads Conference, but also challenging teams like North Central, Warren Central and Lawrence North.
“They prepare you for this moment,” said Huppenthal. “Our kids played like they
have all year. We didn’t do anything different.”
The Royals maintained their 20-point lead at halftime, going into the locker room with a 37-17 advantage. Jackson had backto-back baskets late in the quarter, and junior Bailee Poore came off the bench to finish the period with a layin.
“You never know when your name’s going to get called,” said Huppenthal.
Poore came in during a moment when the Royals were in foul trouble, and she gave
her team some good minutes.
“She hustles and she got in there,” said Huppenthal. “She got her opportunity and
her moment to shine. She took advantage of it.”
Southeastern continued to roll in the second half, leading 52-27 after three quarters. The balance continued in that period, as five different players scored. Parrish scored five points, while junior Jackie Maulucci helped out with four points.
Junior Lydia Self put HSE up 52-25 with a layin.
“They’re awesome players,” said Maulucci of her teammates. “I’ve seen them play
for almost my whole life, and I know they can do big things. They put a lot of hours
into the gym. Seeing the results here on the court today, it makes me feel good and I’m
super proud of them.”
Southeastern’s defense revved up in the fourth quarter, when it only allowed the
Bulldogs one point. That allowed the Royals to clear the bench, which in turn
gave more players a chance to contribute.
Freshman Makayla Hinshaw made two free throws, and junior Lauren Morris hit a layin
to end the game.
“Every single girl on this team has a role and that’s what contributes to our success,”
said Hamilton. “We all know our roles and are willing to do it to the best of our ability.
So that’s what’s taken us so far.”
Hamilton and Parrish both scored 14 points, with Jackson adding eight. Tayah
Irvin made all three of her field goal attempts for six points.
Molly Walton and Parrish each pulled five rebounds. Jackson dished out five
assists, with Maulucci handing out four.
Parrish made four steals and two blocked shots, while Hamilton had three blocks.
The Royals are now 26-1 for the season.
Jackie Maulucci scored six points for Southeastern during its semi-state win over Crown Point.
Protesters line the sidewalk at the entrance of the swim sectional at HSE High School
When you walk into a boys sectional swim meet, you do not expect to encounter a line of protesters, but that’s what happened at Hamilton Southeastern High School Saturday afternoon.
I first became aware of the controversy during a series of statements by the public at last Wednesday’s school board meeting. Two female students and one adult spoke during the board’s discussion about the policy on nondiscrimination. They were clearly not pleased with the handling of the process by school officials surrounding sexual harassment allegations against the male swimmer in question. All three said originally they were told the Fishers High School swimmer would not compete in the sectional meet, but were later told he would be competing.
School Board member Brad Boyer said at the meeting he was under the impression that this swimmer would not be allowed to swim at the sectional meet.
The Indianapolis Star published a story in its February 16th print edition about this controversy. Reporters Emma Kate Fittes, Tim Evans and Kyle Neddenriep write in that story that the Fishers Police Department has an open case of harassment involving this swimmer, but police spokesman Tom Weger says no detective has been assigned to this case and it is not an active investigation.
The Star reports that the student in question was suspended from the Fishers High School swim team, but is now being allowed to swim in the sectional meet. That spurred the Saturday protest at HSE High School, the site of the sectional meet.
The newspaper was provided access to some documents in the case. Here is one paragraph from the story:
“IndyStar obtained documents from a parent whose daughter was involved in an investigation by the school into the matter. The documents said the male student would not be allowed to swim with the team ‘due to substantiated cases of harassment’ and ‘fear exhibited by female swimmers’ making the pool a ‘hostile environment.'”
The Star says it contacted IHSAA Commissioner Bobby Cox, and Cox told a Star reporter administrators at HSE Schools made a verbal appeal to allow this male swimmer to compete in the sectional meet, partly because the girls swim season had come to an end at that point. The Star story does not specify which administrators made the verbal appeal to the IHSAA. The swimmer is being allowed to compete based on the verbal appeal by HSE Schools, based on the Cox statement to the Star.
HSE Schools, in a statement to the Star, said it cannot make any comments on this situation due to federal law, but said, in general, the school district’s policy “includes a thorough investigation and on-going support for the well-being of all involved.”
You can access the entire IndyStar story at this link. (NOTE: If you are not an IndyStar subscriber, you may be limited in the number of stories you may access each month)
Reagan Stafford-Tarin, a parent that helped organize the Saturday protest, provided a brief video interview with me, which you can access below.
Fishers was stunned by a big third quarter from Zionsville on Friday, and that led to the Eagles beating the Tigers 48-44 at the Tiger Den.
The win gave Zionsville an undefeated (7-0) Hoosier Crossroads Conference championship. Fishers finished 5-2 in the HCC, tying for second place with Brownsburg.
The Tigers led 13-7 after the first quarter, and extended their advantage to 23-14 by halftime. Luke Hernandez hit three 3-pointers, while Jeffrey Simmons added eight points. But the Eagles outscored Fishers 19-6 in the third quarter to go up 33-29, and held on to that lead in the fourth.
Simmons finished with 15 points, while Hernandez was next in line with nine points.
The Tigers are 15-7 and play their regular-season finale Wednesday at Kokomo.
